Free food in Humboldt County during COVID-19

Community centers, food banks and Humboldt State University are providing free food, resources and information to community members and students in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Locations and schedules vary throughout Humboldt County, with pickup and delivery services available to those in certain areas. 

Below are some organizations providing aid during the COVID-19 quarantine (as of 4/8/20):

Food for People 

Food for People, a food bank for Humboldt County, added a link specifically in response to the pandemic on its website. 

“Many are suffering in our community with the call for self-isolation — from families staying home with kids, to seniors unable to leave the home, or those experiencing lost wages or revenues,” the website reads. “Our staff is hard at work making sure we can safely provide food to those in need.”

Some preventative methods of spreading the virus include, but are not limited to, pre-packaging food bags, implementing drive through distributions, disinfecting supplies and increasing space for people to practice social distancing. 

Location and Hours: Food for People currently has pantries in Arcata, Blue Lake, Bridgeville, Eureka, Ferndale, Fortuna, Garberville, Loleta, McKinleyville, Orick, Scotia, Trinidad and Willow Creek. The most updated information about these pantries regarding locations and distribution times can be accessed on its official website.  

Food for People also has a Homebound Delivery Program for individuals who might not be able to leave their homes for medical reasons. Application details are on the website or people can call (707) 445-3166, ext. 309. 

Update: The organization will also be holding a drive-thru distribution on Friday, April 10 from 2 to 4 p.m. out of the parking lot of Sear’s in the Bayshore Mall off of Bayshore Way.

The drive is intended to help those struggling financially during this time, and volunteers will be loading food directly into cars to help minimize risk of exposure.

For any questions, Food for People’s main phone is (707) 445-3166.

Update: Food for People will also be holding a drive-thru distribution on Friday, April 10 from 2 to 4 p.m. out of the parking lot of Sear’s in the Bayshore Mall off of Bayshore Way.

Jefferson Community Center, Eureka

The center is still offering its free produce stands on Saturday at 10 a.m., hosting outdoors and following disinfecting and social distancing guidelines when people pick up their produce. 

Jenny Martinez, youth program leader, said the stand is open to the people of the public and offers fresh produce like lettuce, carrots, potatoes, onions, etc. It’s on a first-come, first-serve basis, however, she said there are no limits and give whatever they have. 

Heidi Benzonelli, director of the Jefferson Community Center, said, “on a very limited basis, we’ll do deliveries for extenuating circumstances.” 

Delivery services will be provided only for the City of Eureka residents who may be ill or unable to leave their homes, however, pick-ups are open to the public. Benzonelli said they have been serving 10 to 20 people a day. 

Location and Hours: The Jefferson Community Center is located at 1000 B St, Eureka, CA 95501. The main phone number is (707)-497-6280.

On Monday through Friday, free lunch and dinner will be provided for all kids aged 18 and under. Lunch is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., dinner is served from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Children must eat onsite. 

Meals are served individually in bento boxes, with sanitary and spread out table settings provided and cleaned after each use. 

Humboldt County Office of Education

K-12 public schools pick up times and locations for food are offered through this website. 

OhSNAP!

OhSNAP! is offering free pre-packaged meals twice a week to enrolled HSU students. 

Location and Hours: HSU recreation room of the Jolly Giant Commons, Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon, Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m. If these times do not work for students, they may email mira@humboldt.edu to figure out a time that works best. 

The program is still assisting the general public with CalFresh and Medical questions, hosting virtual office hours on Tuesdays and Fridays from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at https://humboldtstate.zoom.us/j/104376654. To schedule an appointment, email ravin@humboldt.edu. 

Fundraiser

Seventh Generation Fund for Indigenous Peoples, Inc. 

The Seventh Generation Fund is asking for “support for crisis-impacted indigenous communities” through a “Flicker Fund.” The grant will provide food, water, hygiene and other essential materials for indigenous peoples who are being affected by COVID-19.